Comments on: The working end of a CN road repair car offers up an idea of how labour intensive a field wheelset change out was 40 years ago. CN 54401 (work equipment machinery flat) gets a new set of wheels at Oba, ON in the summer of 1976. These ‘shops on wheels’ came with all the tools and equipment needed to make emergency road repairs, and when completed, the guys would retire to the accommodation portion of the car to cook, eat and sleep.

By: Extra 1014

Extra 1014 — Fri, 19 May 2017 21:37:07 +0000

Yeah, I noticed that the little stirrup is missing its pin. You read my mind about the wheels needing a couple of wood blocks.
I’m very amazed how the rigging over the truck is so similar to that used in my Dads photo. Obviously a system that works very well and did not need much refinement over the years.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Fri, 19 May 2017 13:35:49 +0000

Yes, the hinges certainly would have been compressed with a snug application. Also interesting to note is that the brake rod has been disconnected at the clevis pin to allow the door to open for work. Can’t remember if the wheels of the road repair car were chocked, chained, or otherwise blocked. Yikes!

By: Extra 1014

Extra 1014 — Fri, 19 May 2017 00:23:34 +0000

Interesting to see the brake wheel and rigging is part of the door. You would think that wrapping on a good tight brake will put a lot of strain on the hinges.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Tue, 10 May 2016 10:54:51 +0000

Sure not much ID on the map, Paul. ) Now THAT is being in the middle of nowhere.